Can You Usea Aquatic Compost As A Substrate?

[Jon1706]

Hi all I've been stocking up on my Aquatic Compost for my pond plants for when i move. And i was thinking could i use this in my tank as a base substrate under the gravel? Thank you guys and girls
Jon

 

[aaronnorth]

Yes you can, dry it out in the sun (if it comes out ) as i think it contains ammonia, so soak it for a week (change water daily).

I am not sure if i am getting confused with regular garden soil but someone will be able to confirm.

 

[Jon1706]

Thank a lot mate, i wasnt sure if you could use it or not lol. well hopefully thats one less thing i need to buy when i move.

 

[MHunt]

I've used garden soil in my last three tanks now, including my new 55GAL. the plants just thrive in it, you should see the roots of my amazon swords when taking out an established plant!

 

[Jon1706]

So do i just need to keep in water for a week, and change the water each day.

 

[Schmill]

What a plank I am - lol

I didn't have a chance to get any 'plant substrate' for my tank, and I also have a bag of aquatic compost in my garage that I used to use for the pond at my old house. It never occured to me to line the tank with that before putting the gravel in...

I wonder how much mess it would make to try and scoop out gravel and add the compost now... (not hijacking, going to start a new thread now I've thought of it!)

Cheers for the memory prod

 

[chr15_8]

i used some in a 5 gallon tank for a test. the plants loved it and they grew well. all i done was rinsed it to get the wood/small roots out.

i haven't heard about the ammonia before and stocked it within 3 or so days (without any water changes) the fish seamed fine (eat/acted normally)

also i wouldnt have tohught it would contain ammonia as its made for ponds anyway

 

[Kevstir]

iv used the J. Arthur Bower’s aquatic compost in 3 tanks now without any problems, if its good enough for ponds then its good enough for tanks.

 

[Schmill]

I take it it works well then?

I have fish and plants arriving Friday for my 300L tank, so if I do this I've got to do it soon, as I'll have to remove all the decor in there currently, drain 300L of water, remove a 3" or so covering of gravel, get the compost in, get the gravel back on top, and then refill, reheat, and allow to settle before Friday.
I'll do it if it will give the plants a better chance in the long run, but it's a mamouth job, so want to be sure it will be worthwhile